Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim right-hander Jordan Walden has been named to replace Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees on the American League’s active roster for the 82nd All-Star Game, Major League Baseball announced today.
Because Rivera was a player-elected All-Star, his replacement was to be the next highest ranking relief pitcher who was not already an All-Star via the Player Ballot. Walden ranked fifth among relief pitchers on the A.L. Player Ballot with 67 votes. Walden, a 23-year-old rookie, is 1-2 with a 2.95 ERA (36.2 IP, 12 ER) and 19 saves this season. The 6’5”, 235 lb. Walden has struck out 39 batters and has allowed only one home run this season.
· Rookie joins teammates Jered Weaver and Howie Kendrick on 2011 A.L. squad
· Walden is the first Angel rookie named to All-Star team since RHP Jason Dickson in 1997.
· Enters play tonight with 19 saves, three shy of matching the club’s rookie record of 22 saves by Ken Tatum in 1969.
· Native of Fort Worth, TX
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